peruse

verb

pe·​ruse pə-ˈrüz How to pronounce peruse (audio)
perused; perusing

transitive verb

1
a
: to examine or consider with attention and in detail : study
b
: to look over or through in a casual or cursory manner
2
: read
especially : to read over in an attentive or leisurely manner
peruser noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does peruse mean "read in detail"?

Peruse can mean "to read something in a relaxed way, or skim" and can also mean "to read something carefully or in detail." It is what is known as a contronym, a word having two meanings that contradict one another. There are numerous examples of these in English, including sanction, oversight, and dust. If you use peruse simply take care that your intended meaning is made clear by the context.

Does peruse mean "to skim"?

Yes; one of our definitions for peruse is "to skim." However, you should be aware that another of our definitions for this word is "to read something in detail." Some usage guides feel that the ‘"read carefully" sense is correct and that the "skim" sense is not. Both have been in widespread use for some four hundred years.

What is the noun form of peruse?

Peruse is a verb, referring to either the casual or the thorough and detailed examining of something. The related noun meaning "the act or an instance of perusing something" is perusal. Another noun related to peruse is peruser, "one who peruses."

Examples of peruse in a Sentence

To refresh my memory of the old days, I asked for some Dailies of the thirties from the morgue, sat down at the large round oak table at the end of the editorial room on the second floor, and began riffling through the musty pages. Soon a burly middle-aged man appeared and seated himself at the table to peruse some recent issues of the paper and take notes. Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987
I've even found myself idly perusing the Yellow Pages, not frantic for a plumber, just browsing. Lesley Conger, Writer, October 1968
Bessie asked if I would have a book …  , and I begged her to fetch Gulliver's Travels from the library. This book I had again and again perused with delight. Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847
He perused the newspaper over breakfast. perused the manuscript, checking for grammatical errors
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Next, peruse Auntie Q’s diverse array of vintage items and collectibles–from glassware and toys to restored cast-iron cooking pieces – and don’t leave without a Sand Mountain Beach Club T-shirt sporting a mischievous racoon and snarky sayings. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025 From now until Monday, March 31, keep perusing more deals worth shopping. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Mar. 2025 Guests perused the breathtaking space designed by French architect Laura Gonzales, who gave the space a modern Art-Nouveau. Roxanne Robinson, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 Michael Kors finally opened up shop at Amazon — shoppers can peruse thousands of the brand’s coveted fashion and accessories, all available with speedy Prime shipping. Clara McMahon, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peruse

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to use up, deal with in sequence, from Latin per- thoroughly + Middle English usen to use

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of peruse was circa 1520

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Cite this Entry

“Peruse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peruse. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

peruse

verb
pe·​ruse pə-ˈrüz How to pronounce peruse (audio)
perused; perusing
: read entry 1 sense 1a
especially : to read carefully or thoroughly
peruser noun

More from Merriam-Webster on peruse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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